Robert L. Getter

Robert Lee Getter, age 85 — a family man, outlaw, snappy dresser, ladies’ man, and Eaton Rapids resident — passed away peacefully in the comfort of his own home on July 12, 2020. This was in stark contrast to the wild, loud and often mildly inappropriate way he lived his life. Robert worked for Fisher Body for over 37 years before retiring in 1991. He was known for being smart, creative, accepting, kind, loving, unintentionally hilarious and generous. Despite his dirty, and often stinky, outward appearance, Robert rightfully believed all the ladies wanted him. This included, but was not limited to, his doctors, meal delivery ladies, nurses, and most recently his 47-year-old caretaker. He knew they all loved his sexy legs and his dapper appearance. Perhaps Robert’s dearest legacy is how deeply he loved his kids, making each of them feel like they were the favorite. But, to be completely honest, it was always Laura (the author of this obituary) who was the true favorite. No matter the task, Robert loved to, and even insisted on helping. He would give the shirt off his back if it would make someone’s life better. Robert always looked for ways to improve the lives of everyone he knew. It is not an exaggeration to say that 99.99% of the people that knew him, loved him. And then there is Beverly Crawford, the mother of his children, who refused to admit she was still secretly in love with him after all these years. Robert had a life-long love affair with any food he was not supposed to eat and loved sneaking snacks into the house. Much to the dismay of this author, he was a Spartan fan and loved to argue with the Michigan fans about why MSU fans are better (even though we all know that is not the case). Always full of wisdom, his favorite statement was “buy only what you need and not what you want.” Yet somehow his house is full of things he did not need. Robert enjoyed shopping for gadgets in hopes his family would want or need them and even treated it like a sport. And although Robert said consistently that he did not care for sweets, we’re told that manufacturers of ice cream and fancy chocolates are simply devastated by this loss. You will never find a more a beautiful soul as a father, friend, confidante. He will be deeply missed.
Robert was preceded in death by his sons, Robert Lee Getter Jr. and Rodney Lee Getter; siblings, Herby Getter, Harvey Getter, Donnie Getter, and Carol Dillin; father, Harold Lee Getter; and mother Bertha Elston. Robert is survived in legacy by daughter, Laura (Mike) DeLong; sons, Scott (Lisa) Getter, Ted (Nicky) Getter, sister, Doris Goddard; grandchildren, Joshua DeLong, Kyle DeLong, Leslie Getter, Jeffery Getter, Stephen Getter, Jennifer Bahmer, Krystin Hoag, Austin Harmon, Coty Harmon, Chase Getter, Kallie Getter; 19 great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews, and copious amounts of people who considered him to be their father/ uncle/ grandfather. A celebration of Robert’s life was scheduled to be held at Mill’s Funeral Home, Shelly Odell Chapel at 518 S. Main St. in Eaton Rapids on Friday, July 17, 2020 beginning at 11 a.m. Visitation hours were to be held beforehand starting at 10 a.m. in the same location. Those desiring may make memorial contributions to the Salvation Army. Visit millsfuneral.com to place online condolences.